Bicycle hub

ABSTRACT

A bicycle hub is provided for use with bicycle spokes with spoke nipples threadedly coupled to their inner ends. The bicycle hub includes a hub axle and a hub body. The hub axle has a center axis extending between a first end and a second end. The hub body has a tubular center portion defining an interior passageway and a first mounting portion coupled to a first end of the center portion. The center portion defines an interior passageway with the hub axle being rotatably supported in the interior passageway. The first mounting portion has a plurality of first spoke openings extending axially to a first free edge and a plurality of first protrusions extending radially inwardly from the first mounting portion. The plurality of first protrusions are fixedly coupled to the first mounting portion. The bicycle hub also includes a second mounting portion coupled to a second end of the central portion. The second mounting portion has a plurality of second spoke openings. The second mounting portion can be different than the first mounting portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/528,190, filed on Mar. 17, 2000, which is pending. Theentire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/528,190 ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a bicycle hub for use with bicyclespokes. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicyclehub that maintains spoke nipples in spoke openings of the hub.

2. Background Information

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has also become avery popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals.Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation orcompetition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the variouscomponents of the bicycle. One particular component of bicycles that hasbeen extensively redesigned over the past years is the bicycle wheel.Bicycle wheels are constantly being redesigned to be lightweight andmore aerodynamic in design as well as to be simple to manufacture andassemble.

There are many different types of bicycle wheels, which are currentlyavailable on the market. The most basic bicycle wheels have a hubportion, a plurality of spokes and an annular rim. The hub is attachedto a part of the frame of the bicycle for relative rotation. The spokesextend outwardly from the hub to the annular rim. The annular rim has arecess for supporting a pneumatic tire thereon. Typically, the spokes ofthe bicycle wheel were thin metal wire spokes. The ends of the hub areprovided with a flange that is used to couple the spoke portionsthereto. In particular, holes are provided in the hub flanges. The wirespokes are usually bent on their inner end and provided with a flangethat is formed in the shape of a nail head. The inner end is supportedin one of the holes in one of the hub flanges. The outer ends of thespokes typically are provided with threads for engaging spoke nipplesthat secure the outer ends of the wire spokes to the rim. In particular,the spoke nipples have flanges, which engage the interior surface of therim.

With a spoke constructed in this manner, the nipple is installed in anipple hole formed in the rim, the spoke is inserted through the hole ofthe hub flange with the flange of the inner end of the spoke engagingthe hole of the hub flange. The male threads on the outer ends of thespokes are threaded into the female threads of the spoke nipplesinstalled in the openings of the rim. It is desirable in the bicycleindustry to have as few spokes as possible. One problem withconventional spokes is the concentrated stress applied to the rim.Moreover, if fewer spokes are used, the stress on the rim becomesincreasingly larger.

Recently, some bicycle wheel designs have reversed the spoke arrangementso that each of the spokes has an outer portion secured to the rim and athreaded end secured to the hub. The inner end can be secured to the hubvia conventional spoke nipples. The conventional spoke nipples typicallyinclude a head portion and an internally threaded shaft portion.However, in these bicycle wheels, it can be difficult to install thespokes in the hub. Moreover, once installed in the hub, it can bedifficult to retain the spokes in the hub. Furthermore, such bicyclewheels can be complicated and expensive to assemble and manufacture.

In view of the above, there exists a need for a bicycle hub thatmaintains spoke nipples in spoke openings in the hub which overcomes theabove mentioned problems in the prior art. This invention addresses thisneed in the prior art as well as other needs, which will become apparentto those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle hub thatallows spokes to be easily installed in spoke openings in the hub.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle hub thatuses spoke nipples to mount spokes in the spoke openings of the hub.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle hub thatmaintains spokes in the spoke openings of the hub using spoke nipples.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle hubthat is relatively simple and inexpensive.

The foregoing objects can be obtained by providing a bicycle hub for usewith spoke nipples. The bicycle hub includes a hub axle and a hub body.The hub axle has a center axis extending between a first end and asecond end. The hub body has a tubular center portion and a firstmounting portion coupled to a first end of the center portion. Thecenter portion defines an interior passageway with the hub axle beingrotatably supported in the interior passageway. The first mountingportion has a plurality of first spoke openings extending axially to afirst free edge and a plurality of first protrusions extending radiallyinwardly from the first mounting portion. The plurality of firstprotrusions are fixedly coupled to the first mounting portion.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with theannexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle with front and rearwheels illustrated in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the front wheelillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, top plan view a front hub having a hub body ofthe bicycle wheel illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 with portions shown incross-section for the purpose of illustration;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, top plan view of the hub body of the front hubillustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view of the hub body illustrated inFIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the hub body illustrated in FIGS.4-5, as seen along section line 6—6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of thehub body illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 with a spoke nipple arranged in aspoke hole;

FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of the portion of the hub bodyand spoke nipple illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of the rim of thefront wheel illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 with a pair of spokes coupledthereto;

FIG. 10 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the portion of the rim andpair of spokes illustrated in FIG. 9, as seen along section line 10—10of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the portion of the rimillustrated in FIG. 9, as seen along section line 11—11 of FIG. 9 with aspoke shown in elevation;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged side elevational view of the rear wheel of thebicycle illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged, top plan view of a rear hub having a hub body ofthe rear bicycle wheel illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 12 with portions shownin cross-section for the purpose of illustration;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged, top plan view of the hub body of the rear hubillustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a left side elevational view of the hub body illustrated inFIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the hub body illustrated in FIGS.14-15, as seen along section line 16—16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial side elevational view of a rim of therear wheel illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 12 with a pair of spokes coupledthereto; and

FIG. 18 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the portion of the rimillustrated in FIG. 17 as seen along section lines 18—18 of FIG. 17 witha pair of spokes shown in elevation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIGS. 1, 2 and 12, a bicycle 10 with a frontwheel 14 and a rear wheel 16 illustrated in accordance with the presentinvention. The bicycle 10 basically has a frame 12 with a front fork 13movably coupled thereto. Rear wheel 16 is rotatably coupled to a rearportion of the frame 12, while front wheel 14 is rotatably coupled tothe front fork 13. The frame 12 also has a seat 18 adjustably coupled toframe 12, a handlebar 19 coupled to front fork 13 for turning frontwheel 14 and a drive train 20 for propelling bicycle 10.

Since these parts of bicycle 10 are well known in the art, these partswill not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein, except as theyare modified in accordance with the present invention. Moreover, variousconventional bicycle parts such as brakes, derailleurs, additionalsprockets, etc., which are not illustrated and/or discussed in detailherein, can be used in conjunction with the present invention.

Front wheel 14 basically includes a central hub or central mountingportion 22, a plurality of outwardly extending spokes 24 and an annularrim portion 26 with a pneumatic tire 28 coupled thereto in aconventional manner as best seen in FIG. 2. In the illustratedembodiment shown herein, front wheel 14 has sixteen spokes 24 extendingradially between central hub 22 and annular rim portion 26. Of course,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosurethat front wheel 14 can have fewer or more spokes 24 than illustrated ifneeded and/or desired.

Rear wheel 16 basically includes a central hub or central mountingportion 42, a plurality of outwardly extending spokes 24 and an annularrim portion 46 with a pneumatic tire 28 coupled thereto in aconventional manner as best seen in FIG. 12. In the illustratedembodiment shown herein, rear wheel 16 has sixteen spokes 24 extendingradially between central hub 42 and annular rim portion 46. Of course,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosurethat rear wheel 16 can have fewer or more spokes 24 than illustrated ifneeded and/or desired.

Front Hub

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, front hub 22 has a tubular hub body portion 30 afirst bearing assembly 33 a, a second bearing assembly 33 b, a quickrelease mechanism 25 and a hub axle 32 rotatably supported in tubularbody portion 30. Quick release mechanism 25 is coupled to hub axle 32 ina conventional manner. Of the parts of front hub 22, only the hub bodyportion 30 is a non-conventional part. The remaining parts of rear hub42 are relatively conventional, and thus, the remaining parts of fronthub 22 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

Tubular body portion 30 has tubular center portion 34 and a pair oftubular mounting portions 36 a and 36 b fixedly coupled to opposite endsof center portion 34 for mounting spokes 24 thereto. First and secondbearing assemblies 33 a and 33 b rotatably support body portion 30 onhub axle 32. Mounting portions 36 a and 36 b will be referred to asfirst mounting portion 36 a and second mounting portion 36 b,respectively. Preferably, second mounting portion 36 b is a mirror imageof first mounting portion 36 a. Each tubular mounting portion 36 a and36 b has a plurality of spoke openings 38 a and 38 b for coupling spokes24 thereto, respectively. Preferably, each mounting portion 36 a and 36b has eight spoke openings 38 a and 38 b formed therein, respectively.Spoke openings 38 a and 38 b will be referred to as first spoke openings38 a and second spoke openings 38 b, respectively.

Preferably, body portion 30 is formed as a one-piece, unitary member. Itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art that body portion 30 can beconstructed of any substantially rigid material, such as thosematerials, which are known in the art. For example, body portion 30 canbe constructed of any suitable metallic material, such as plated steel,stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium or titanium, as well as othernon-metallic materials, such as carbon fiber composite, ceramic orplastic. Moreover, center portion 34, mounting portion 36 a and mountingportion 36 b could be constructed of different materials as need and/ordesired.

Tubular center portion 34 defines an interior passageway and hub axle 32is rotatably supported therein. Hub axle 32 has a center axis Fextending from a first end 32 a to a second end 32 b. First and secondends 32 a and 32 b of hub axle 32 are threaded to receive a pair of nuts27 a and 27 b. Nuts 27 a and 27 b hold bearing assemblies 33 a and 33 b,body portion 30 and hub axle 32 together when hub 22 is assembled. Firstmounting portion 36 a is arranged adjacent first end 32 a of hub axle 32and second mounting portion 36 b is arranged adjacent second end 32 b ofhub axle 32. The pair of tubular mounting portions 36 a and 36 b supporta plurality of spokes 24 in spoke openings 38 a and 38 b with spokenipples 66. More specifically, spokes 24 have spoke nipples 66 threadedto their inner ends, and spoke nipples 66 are arranged in spoke openings38 a and 38 b to couple front hub 22 to annular rim portion 26.

Each tubular mounting portion 36 a and 36 b has a free edge 37 a and 37b, respectively located at opposite ends of body portion 30. Free edges37 a and 37 b will be referred to as first free edge 37 a and secondfree edge 37 b, respectively. Each mounting portion 36 a and 36 bpreferably has larger inner and outer diameters than center portion 30and hub axle 32. Spoke openings 38 a and 38 b are formed as elongatedslots extending axially from free edges 37 a and 37 b, respectively.Moreover, spoke openings 38 a and 38 b are sized to allow spoke nipples66 to be sidably received therein. Therefore, spokes 24 with spokenipples 66 threadedly coupled thereto can be axially inserted in spokeopenings 38 a and 38 b from opposite ends of front hub 22.

Mounting portions 36 a and 36 b have a plurality of protrusions 39 a and39 b fixedly coupled thereto and extending radially inwardly frommounting portions 36 a and 36 b, respectively. Protrusions 39 a and 39 bwill be referred to as first protrusions 39 a and second protrusions 39b, respectively. Protrusions 39 a and 39 b are adjacent spoke openings38 a and 38 b to maintain the spoke nipples 66 therein. Specifically,protrusions 39 a and 39 b are formed as circumferential internal flangesextending radially inwardly from free edges 37 a and 37 b toward centeraxis F of hub axle 32. With this arrangement, protrusions 39 a and 39 bcan engage heads of spoke nipples 66 to prevent spokes 24 from movingaxially out of spoke openings 38 a and 38 b when front wheel 14 isassembled. More specifically, each of the protrusions 39 a and 39 bextends between a pair of adjacent spoke openings 38 a and 38 b,respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the retention of spoke nipples 66 in spokeopenings 38 a and 38 b will be discussed in more detail. Specifically,in assembling front wheel 14, spokes 24 with spoke nipples 66 coupledthereto are axially moved into spoke openings 38 a and 38 b prior totightening spokes 24 between front hub 22 and annular rim portion 26.Accordingly, each spoke 24 and spoke nipple 66 can be easily inserted inspoke openings 38 a and 38 b. However, when spoke nipples 66 are rotatedrelative to spokes 24, a tensional force is applied to spokes 24 andspoke nipples 66 move radially outward toward rim 26.

More specifically, the heads of spoke nipples 66 are tightened againstthe inner surfaces of tubular mounting portions 36 a and 36 b as bestseen in FIG. 7. In this tightened position, heads of spoke nipples 66engage protrusions 39 a and 39 b to prevent axial movement of spokenipples 66 and spokes 24 relative to body portion 30 of front hub 22.Accordingly, spokes 24 and spoke nipples 66 cannot be accidentallydisplaced from spoke openings 38 a and 38 b, and a reliable wheelconstruction is attained. Preferably, a pair of covers 31 a and 31 b arearranged at first and second free edges 37 a and 37 b, respectively whenhub 22 of front wheel 14 is assembled.

As mentioned above, first and second bearing assemblies 33 a and 33 brotatably support hub body portion 30 on hub axle 32. The bearingassembly 33 a basically includes a plurality of balls 100 a locatedbetween an inner race member 102 a and an outer race member 104 a.Similarly, the bearing assembly 33 b basically includes a plurality ofballs 100 b located between an inner race member 102 b and an outer racemember 104 b. Since bearing assemblies 33 a and 33 b and are well knowin the bicycle art, they will not be discussed or illustrated in detailherein.

Rear Hub

Referring to FIGS. 13-16, rear hub 42 has a tubular hub body portion 50,a bearing support sleeve 51, a first bearing assembly 53 a, a secondbearing assembly 53 b, a freewheel mounting portion 43, a quick releasemechanism 45 and a hub axle 52. Hub axle 52 is rotatably supported intubular body portion 50 by bearing assemblies 53 a and 53 b. Quickrelease mechanism 43 is coupled to hub axle 52 in a conventional manner.Freewheel mounting portion 43 is coupled to body portion 50 in aconventional manner and has a plurality of splines for receiving afreewheel (not shown). Of the parts of rear hub 42, only the hub bodyportion 50 and the bearing support sleeve 51 are non-conventional parts.The remaining parts of rear hub 42 are relatively conventional, andthus, the remaining parts of rear hub 42 will not be discussed orillustrated in detail herein.

Tubular body portion 50 has tubular center portion 54 and a pair oftubular mounting portions 56 a and 56 b fixedly coupled to opposite endsof center portion 54 for mounting spokes 24 thereto. First and secondbearing assemblies 53 a and 53 b rotatably support body portion 50 onhub axle 52. Mounting portions 56 a and 56 b will be referred to asfirst mounting portion 56 a and second mounting portion 56 b. Secondmounting portion 56 b is different from first mounting portion 56 a sothat a free wheel (not shown) can be coupled to rear hub 42. Eachtubular mounting portion 56 a and 56 b has a plurality of spoke openings58 a and 58 b for coupling spokes 24 thereto. Preferably, each mountingportion 56 a and 56 b has eight spoke openings 58 a and 58 b formedtherein, respectively. Spoke openings 58 a and 58 b will be referred toas first spoke openings 58 a and second spoke openings 58 b,respectively.

Preferably, body portion 50 is formed as a one-piece, unitary member. Itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art that body portion 50 can beconstructed of any substantially rigid material, such as thosematerials, which are known in the art. For example, body portion 50 canbe constructed of any suitable metallic material, such as plated steel,stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium or titanium, as well as othernon-metallic materials, such as carbon fiber composite, ceramic orplastic. Moreover, center portion 54, first mounting portion 56 a andsecond mounting portion 56 b could be constructed of different materialsas need and/or desired.

Tubular center portion 54 defines an interior passageway and hub axle 52is rotatably supported therein. Hub axle 52 has a center axis Rextending from a first end 52 a to a second end 52 b. First and secondends 52 a and 52 b of hub axle 52 are threaded to receive a pair of nuts47 a and 47 b. Nuts 47 a and 47 b hold bearing assemblies 53 a and 53 b,body portion 50 and hub axle 52 together when hub 42 is assembled. Firstmounting portion 56 a is arranged adjacent first end 52 a of hub axle 52and second mounting portion 56 b is arranged adjacent second end 52 b ofhub axle 52. The pair of tubular mounting portions 56 a and 56 b supporta plurality of spokes 24 in spoke openings 58 a and 58 b with spokenipples 66. More specifically, spokes 24 have spoke nipples 66 threadedto their inner ends, and spoke nipples 66 are arranged in spoke openings58 a and 58 b to couple front hub 22 to annular rim portion 26.

First mounting portion 56 a is substantially similar to first mountingportion 36 a of front hub 22 except that first mounting portion 56 a haslarger inner and outer diameters than first mounting portion 36 a. Firstmounting portion 56 a has a first free edge 57 a and has larger innerand outer diameters than center portion 54 and hub axle 52. Spokeopenings 58 a are formed as elongated slots extending axially from freeedge 57 a. Moreover, spoke openings 58 a are sized to allow spokenipples 66 to be slidably received therein. Therefore, spokes 24 withspoke nipples 66 threadedly coupled thereto can be axially inserted inspoke openings 58 a from a first end of rear hub 42.

Mounting portion 56 a has a plurality of first protrusions 59 a fixedlycoupled thereto and extending radially inwardly from first mountingportion 56 a. Protrusions 59 a are adjacent spoke openings 58 a tomaintain the spoke nipples 66 therein. Specifically, protrusions 59 aare formed as circumferential internal flanges extending radiallyinwardly from first free edge 57 a toward center axis R of hub axle 52.With this arrangement, protrusions 59 a can engage heads of spokenipples 66 to prevent spokes 24 from moving axially out of spokeopenings 58 a when rear wheel 16 is assembled. More specifically, eachof the protrusions 59 a extends between a pair of adjacent spokeopenings 58 a. Preferably, a cover 51′ is arranged at first free edge 57a when hub 42 of rear wheel 16 is assembled.

Basically, second mounting portion 56 b is formed of a plurality ofspoke attachment projections 55 and a tapered portion. Second mountingportion 56 b is arranged on an opposite side of center portion 54 fromfirst mounting portion 56 a. The tapered portion is an annular platemember that extends outwardly from center portion 54. Preferably, secondmounting portion 56 b has four spoke attachment projections 55 with apair of opposing spoke openings 58 b formed in each spoke attachmentprojection 55 for attaching eight spokes 24 thereto. Accordingly, spokenipples 66 and spokes 24 are maintained in second spoke openings 58 b.

Spoke openings 58 b are preferably closed openings with circularcross-sections to retain spoke nipples 66 therein. Of course, secondtubular mounting portion 56 b can have more or fewer than four spokeattachment projections 55 as needed and/or desired. The number and shapeof the spoke attachment projections 55 will depend upon the number ofspokes, the type of spokes and the type of wheel. Moreover, each spokeattachment projection 55 can have more or fewer spoke openings 58 b andspoke openings can have different configurations as needed and/ordesired.

In attaching spokes 24 to second mounting portion 56 b, inner endportions of spokes 24 are inserted through one (external) end of secondspoke openings 58 b of body portion 50, and then spoke nipples 66 areinserted through the other (internal) end of second spoke openings 58 b.Spoke nipples 66 are threadedly coupled to inner end portions of spokes24 and engage an internal abutment surface of second mounting portion 56b to fixedly secure spokes 24 to hub 42.

Center portion 54 of body portion 50 has a larger outer diameter thancenter portion 34 of front hub 22. Center portion 54 has a first maximuminternal diameter and a second minimum internal diameter. A bearingsupport sleeve 51 is non-rotatably coupled within center portion 54(maximum inner diameter section) and forms a part of hub body 50 whenhub 42 is assembled. Bearing support sleeve 51 is a tubular member withan internal flange 51 a for supporting bearing assembly 53 a.

As mentioned above, first and second bearing assemblies 53 a and 53 brotatably support hub body portion 50 on hub axle 52. The bearingassembly 53 a basically includes a plurality of balls 110 a locatedbetween an inner race member 112 a and an outer race member 114 a.Similarly, the bearing assembly 53 b basically includes a plurality ofballs 110 b located between an inner race member 112 b and an outer racemember 114 b. Since bearing assemblies 53 a and 53 b and are well knowin the bicycle art, they will not be discussed or illustrated in detailherein.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 12, each of the spokes 24 has an outer endportion 60, a center or middle portion 62 and a threaded inner endportion 64. Straight center portion 62 of a spoke 24 is located radiallyinwardly of outer end portion 60, and inner end portion 64 locatedradially inwardly of the center portion 62. Spokes 24 are coupled tohubs 22 and 42 at inner ends 64 of spokes 24 as discussed above.Preferably, outer end portion 60, center portion 62 and inner endportion 64 are constructed as a unitary, one-piece member with spokenipples 66 theadedly coupled to the inner end portion 64 of each of thespokes 24 for connection to hubs 22 and 42.

As best seen in FIGS. 9, 10, 17 and 18, outer end portions 60 of spokes24 have a bent section 60 a with an enlarged head 60 b at the free endof bent section 60 a. Heads 60 b are offset from bent sections 60 a. Thehead 60 b has a larger width or diameter than bent section 60 a tosecure spoke 24 to rims 26 and 46 via reinforcement member or washer 68.Center portions 62 and inner end portions 64 each have a circular orelliptical cross section. Of course, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that constant cross section spokes can be utilized orspokes with a varying cross section can be utilized as needed and/ordesired. Moreover, spokes with other cross-sections could be utilizedwithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

Of course, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that outer end portions 60 can be bent or formed to havea different shape and/or cross section than the illustrated shapes andcross sections. Moreover, outer end portions 60 of spokes 24 could bedesigned to be directly coupled to a different bicycle rim without theuse of reinforcement members or washers 68 as needed and/or desired. Inany event, the shapes and cross sections of outer end portions 60 ofeach spoke 24 should be configured to prevent axial movement of thespokes 24 relative to rims 26 and 46 when the spoke 24 is in theinstalled position.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11, rim 26 includes an outer annular portion 70adapted to receive tire 28 and an annular spoke attachment portion 72.The rim 26 is a so-called deep rim in which the rim's radial height isgreater than the rim's axial width. Rim 26 is designed to have a“clincher” type pneumatic tire 28 fastened thereto in a conventionalmanner. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the shapeof rim 26 could be modified to accommodate different types of tires asneeded and/or desired without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. For example, rim 26 could be modified to accommodate“tubular” or “sew-up” type tires which are adapted to be cemented to anouter surface of a rim. In such a rim, outer annular portion 70 isformed of a curved tubular member and a tire is cemented to the outersurface of the tubular member.

Preferably, outer annular portion 70 of rim 26 has a substantially“U-shaped” cross-section adapted to receive a “clincher” type pneumatictire 28. Outer annular portion 70 of rim 26 has a plurality of accessapertures 76 for inserting spokes 24 therethrough and into a pluralityof spoke openings 78 of annular spoke attachment portion 72. Annularspoke attachment portion 72 also has a substantially “U-shaped”cross-section and is fixedly coupled to outer annular portion 70.

Rim 26 is constructed of a substantially rigid material, such as thosematerials, which are well known in the art. For example, rims 26 can beconstructed of any suitable metallic material, such as plated steel,stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium or titanium, as well as othernon-metallic materials, such as a carbon fiber composite, which can beutilized for a bicycle wheel. Rim 26 is relatively conventional.Therefore, rim 26 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

Annular spoke attachment portion 72 is located radially inward of outerannular portion 70. Rim 26 is a tubular member with a hollow, annularinner area. Spoke openings 78 are circumferentially spaced and formed ina pair of opposing side sections 74 of spoke attachment portion 72.Spoke openings 78 are sized for receiving spokes 24 with reinforcementmembers or washers 68 therein. Reinforcement members or washers 68 aredesigned to disperse the stresses applied to rim 26 by spokes 24. Eachspoke opening 78 is located adjacent one of the access apertures 76 sothat a spoke 24 with a reinforcement member 68 can be inserted throughaccess aperture 76 and into spoke opening 78. Moreover, spoke openings78 formed in one opposing side section 74 are circumferentiallystaggered from spoke openings 78 formed in the opposite opposing sidesection 74.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, rim 46 includes an outer annular portion90 adapted to receive tire 28 and an annular spoke attachment portion92. The rim 46 is a so-called deep rim in which the rim's radial heightis greater than the rim's axial width. Rim 46 is designed to have a“clincher” type pneumatic tire 28 fastened thereto in a conventionalmanner. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatthe shape of rim 46 could be modified to accommodate different types oftires as needed and/or desired without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. For example, rim 46 could be modified to accommodate“tubular” or “sew-up” type tires which are adapted to be cemented to anouter surface of a rim. In such a rim, outer annular portion 90 isformed of a curved tubular member and a tire is cemented to the outersurface of the tubular member.

Rim 46 of rear wheel 16 is identical to rim 26 of front wheel 14 exceptthat spoke openings 98 are circumferentially aligned on opposite side ofrim 46, rather than circumferentially staggered as in rim 26. Thereforerim 46 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.Specifically, spoke openings 98 formed in one opposing side section 94of rim 46 are circumferentially aligned with spoke openings 98 formed inthe opposite opposing side section 94. Such an arrangement is due to thearrangement of mounting portions 56 a and 56 b of rear hub 42.

Referring again to FIGS. 9, 10, 17 and 18, reinforcement members orwashers 68 will now be discussed in more detail. Reinforcement membersor washers 68 are designed to disperse the stresses applied to rims 26and 46 by spokes 24. Reinforcement members or washers 68 are preferablydisk shaped members with each reinforcement member or washer 68 having afirst (smaller) circular stepped portion 80, a second (larger) circularstepped portion 82 and a centrally located spoke hole 84. Preferably,reinforcement members or washers 68 are constructed as one-piece,unitary members.

An example of one suitable material for reinforcement members or washers68 is aluminum alloy. Of course, other materials can be used. It will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure thatreinforcement members or washers 48 do not have to be stepped asillustrated.

The diameters or widths of stepped portions 80 and 82 should be as largeas reasonably possible to disperse the stresses on rims 26 and 46 fromspokes 24. In other words, it is better for the diameters or widths ofstepped portions 80 and 82 to be as large as reasonably possible. Firstcircular stepped portion 80 of each of the reinforcement members orwashers 68 can be frictionally retained within one of the spoke openings78 or 98 of rims 26 and 46, respectively. Since spokes 24 are placedunder tension between hubs 22 or 42 and rims 26 or 46, spokes 24 applyan inward radial force at circumferentially spaced locations thatcorrespond to spoke openings 78 and 98. Accordingly, the strength ofrims 26 and 46 is increased without adding thickness.

Spoke holes 84 of reinforcement washers 68 are designed so that spokes24 can freely pass therethrough. The center portions 62 of spokes 24 areelliptical in cross-section. Accordingly, spoke holes 84 havelongitudinally extending slots 86 that increase the effective diameteror width of spoke holes 84 to allow the center portions 62 of spokes 24to pass therethrough. A slanted cutout or notch 88 is formed on theaxial face of first step portion 80. This notch 88 accommodates the bentsection 40 a of the outer end portion of spoke 24.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing description of theembodiments according to the present invention are provided forillustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle hub for use with bicycle spoke nipples,said bicycle hub comprising: a hub axle having a center axis extendingbetween a first end and a second end; a hub body having a tubular centerportion defining an interior passageway with said hub axle beingrotatably supported therein, a first mounting portion coupled to a firstend of said center portion, said first mounting portion having aplurality of first spoke openings extending axially to a first free edgeof said first mounting portion and a plurality of first protrusionsfixedly coupled to said first mounting portion and extending radiallyinwardly from said first mounting portion adjacent said first spokeopenings to maintain the spoke nipples in said first spoke openings,said first mounting portion being configured to mount a first set ofradial spokes thereto, and a second mounting portion coupled to a secondend of said center portion, said second mounting portion having aplurality of second spoke openings formed therein, said second mountingportion including a plurality of radially extending attachmentprojections having said second spoke openings formed therein, saidsecond mounting portion being configured to mount a second set oftangential spokes thereto; and a freewheel portion coupled to said hubbody adjacent said second mounting portion of said hub body.
 2. Thebicycle hub according to claim 1, wherein said first mounting portion istubular and said first spoke openings are elongated slots extendingaxially from said first free edge.
 3. The bicycle hub according to claim2, wherein each of said first protrusions is formed of an internalflange extending radially toward said center axis.
 4. The bicycle hubaccording to claim 3, wherein each of said first protrusions extendsbetween a pair of adjacent said first spoke openings.
 5. The bicycle hubaccording to claim 4, wherein said first protrusions extend radiallyinwardly from said first free edge.
 6. The bicycle hub according toclaim 1, wherein said first mounting portion is tubular and each of saidfirst protrusions is formed of an internal flange extending to ward saidcenter axis.
 7. The bicycle hub according to claim 1, wherein said firstprotrusions extend radially inwardly from said first free edge.
 8. Thebicycle hub according to claim 1, wherein each of said first protrusionsextends between a pair of adjacent said first spoke openings.
 9. Thebicycle hub according to claim 1, wherein said hub body includes asleeve coupled within said center portion and extending beyond saidfirst free edge to form part of said hub body.
 10. The bicycle hubaccording to claim 1, wherein said second mounting portion is a tubularportion with a non-circular shape to form said plurality of attachmentprojections.
 11. A bicycle component assembly comprising: a hub axlehaving a center axis extending between a first end and a second end; ahub body having a tubular center portion defining an interior passagewaywith said hub axle being rotatably supported therein, a first mountingportion coupled to a first end of said center portion, said firstmounting portion having a plurality of first spoke openings extendingaxially to a first free edge of said mounting portion and a plurality offirst protrusions fixedly coupled to said first mounting portion andextending radially inwardly from said first mounting portion adjacentsaid first spoke openings to maintain the spoke nipples in said firstspoke openings, and a second mounting portion coupled to a second end ofsaid center portion, said second mounting portion having a plurality ofsecond spoke openings formed therein, said second mounting portionincluding a plurality of radially extending attachment projectionshaving said second spoke openings formed therein; a plurality ofelongated outwardly extending spokes coupled to said hub body with eachof said spokes having an inner end portion and an outer end portion,said inner end portions being received in said first and second spokeopenings, said spokes received in said first spoke openings extendingradially and said spokes received in said second spoke openingsextending tangentially; and a freewheel portion coupled to said hub bodyadjacent said second mounting portion of said hub body.
 12. The bicyclecomponent assembly according to claim 11, wherein said inner endportions of said spokes have spoke nipples threaded coupled thereto. 13.The bicycle component assembly according to claim 11, further comprisingan annular rim coupled to said outer ends of said spokes, said annularrim being adapted to receive a tire.
 14. A bicycle hub for use withbicycle spoke nipples, said bicycle hub comprising: a hub axle having acenter axis extending between a first end and a second end; and a hubbody having a tubular center portion defining an interior passagewaywith said hub axle being rotatably supported therein, a first mountingportion coupled to a first end of said center portion, said firstmounting portion having a plurality of first spoke openings extendingaxially to a first free edge of said mounting portion and a plurality offirst protrusions fixedly coupled to said first mounting portion andextending radially inwardly from said first mounting portion adjacentsaid first spoke openings to maintain the spoke nipples in said firstspoke openings, and a second mounting portion coupled to a second end ofsaid center portion, said second mounting portion having a plurality ofsecond spoke openings formed therein, said second mounting portion beinga non-circular shaped tubular member forming a plurality of radiallyextending attachment projections having said second spoke openingsformed therein.
 15. The bicycle hub according to claim 14, wherein saidfirst mounting portion is tubular and said first spoke openings areelongated slots extending axially from said first free edge.
 16. Thebicycle hub according to claim 14, wherein said first mounting portionis tubular and each of said first protrusions is formed of an internalflange extending toward said center axis.
 17. The bicycle hub accordingto claim 14, wherein each of said first protrusions extends between apair of adjacent said first spoke openings.
 18. The bicycle hubaccording to claim 14, wherein said first protrusions extend radiallyinwardly from said first free edge.
 19. A bicycle component assemblycomprising: a hub axle having a center axis extending between a firstend and a second end; a hub body having a tubular center portiondefining an interior passageway with said hub axle being rotatablysupported therein, a first mounting portion coupled to a first end ofsaid center portion, said first mounting portion having a plurality offirst spoke openings extending axially to a first free edge of saidmounting portion and a plurality of first protrusions fixedly coupled tosaid first mounting portion and extending radially inwardly from saidfirst mounting portion adjacent said first spoke openings to maintainthe spoke nipples in said first spoke openings, and a second mountingportion coupled to a second end of said center portion, said secondmounting portion having a plurality of second spoke openings formedtherein, said second mounting portion being a non-circular shapedtubular member forming a plurality of radially extending attachmentprojections having said second spoke openings formed therein; and aplurality of elongated outwardly extending spokes coupled to said hubbody with each of said spokes having an inner end portion and an outerend portion, said inner end portions being received in said first andsecond spoke openings.
 20. The bicycle component assembly according toclaim 19, wherein said inner end portions of said spokes have spokenipples threaded coupled thereto.
 21. The bicycle component assemblyaccording to claim 19, further comprising an annular rim coupled to saidouter ends of said spokes, said annular rim being adapted to receive atire.